Model year guide

2005 Saab 9-5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Saab 9-5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.

2005 Saab 9-5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Saab 9-5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints11
Combined20–21 mpg
Typical price$3,277

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2005 Saab 9-5 recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #07V087000 · 07/03/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP RETAINING TABS HOLDING THE FUEL LINES WERE DAMAGED DURING PRODUCTION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SECURING BRACKET THAT WILL SECURE THE FUEL LINES TO THE FUEL PUMP EVEN IF THE PLASTIC RETAINING TABS SHOULD BREAK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2007. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS - SEE 04V557 AND 06V126. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint NHTSA Campaign #08V160000 · 09/04/2008

SAAB IS RECALLING 57,389 MY 2002-2008 9-5 SERIES VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING COMPLIANCE TESTING, ONE OF THE UPPER INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD'S REQUIREMENTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A-PILLAR TRIM WITH IMPROVED ENERGY-ABSORBING CAPABILITY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2005 Saab 9-5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2005 Saab 9-5 MPG & running costs

Combined20–21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,000

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2005 Saab 9-5 worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$3,277
High
$2,900

From 11 comparable 2005 Saab 9-5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Saab 9-5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,950
Total$22,950
Per mile$0.31

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,277) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,280), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Saab 9-5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Arc 2.3T · Aero
Engines
2.3L · 2.3L 4-cyl

2005 Saab 9-5 vehicles on record

Other Saab 9-5 model years

2005 Saab 9-5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Saab 9-5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Saab 9-5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saab 9-5?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Saab 9-5 get?

The 2005 Saab 9-5 has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2005 Saab 9-5 worth?

Comparable 2005 Saab 9-5 listings run roughly $1,000–$2,900, typically around $3,277 (from 11 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.